Ravi Shastri, former India head coach, had a day to remember at The Hundred on Saturday when he met English football sensation Jude Bellingham in the match between Birmingham Phoenix and Welsh Fire at Edgbaston. Though Birmingham Phoenix lost, the moment was undoubtedly special for players, fans and the former India head coach himself.
Bellingham, the co-owner of Birmingham Phoenix, watched the game after an outstanding FIFA WC 2022. The 23-year-old has scored 7 goals and 1 assist in helping England get into the semi-finals.
On commentary duty, Shastri, in his distinct style, had already introduced Bellingham before the coin draw.
Shastri announced in his usual style:
“And he's a hometown boy. He's a... Birmingham superstar, Galactico. Fresh from a magnificent World Cup. Co-owner of the Birmingham Phoenix. And it's none other than Jude Bellingham. Now, Jude's gonna hand over the coin.”
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Signed Cap Brings Smile to Ravi Shastri
The occasion was made all the more memorable when Shastri was presented with a signed Bellingham cap. The ex-India all-rounder confided that the signature was for his daughter and suggested that he had no alternative but to carry it home!
He said
The autograph is for my daughter. If I hadn't taken that, she wouldn't have let me come home.
Later, Shastri put out a tweet himself as well. He uploaded a picture with the Real Madrid midfielder on 'X' and congratulated Bellingham.
Shastri tweeted:
"Delighted to have Birmingham's own Galactico in for the toss at The Hundred. How good is he? World class every time. World Cup anyway you look at it. Wishing him all the best for the season ahead!"
Shastri has been in the UK all through the cricket season. India captain was clicked a few days back with India coach Shastri after running into him while on a walk in London.
Posting this photo, Shastri said, "Great bumping into a relaxed Shaaaarma while out walking in London."
Welsh Fire Beat Birmingham Phoenix in Close Contest
The battle on the pitch also made for a good contest. Birmingham Phoenix, who won the toss, elected to bat first and completed their 100 balls, scoring 137/9. Joe Clarke was the top scorer with a knock of 35 runs from 23 balls. Marco Jansen and Lockie Ferguson bowled well for Welsh Fire, claiming two wickets each.
Chasing in reply, Welsh Fire needed 4 balls, then when Phil Salt played an aggressive innings of 46, with England's new Test captain Joe Root last man on 58 not out.
Birmingham Phoenix was unable to get over the line, but the day will always be remembered for Ravi Shastri's fun conversation with Jude Bellingham and the fun story regarding the signed cap that kept his daughter happy.
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